 "Iran expected to delay attack on Israel to let Gaza ceasefire talks conclude: Report")
As talks for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip have picked up pace, Iran has put its plan to attack Israel on hold for now, according to a report.
For more than two weeks, the Middle East has been on the edge over anticipated attacks by Iran and allies on Israel in response to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month. There are fears that an Iran-led attack and subsequent Israeli response could lead to an escalatory spiral that could plunge the region into an all-out war .
Now, as significant progress is said to have been made in talks in Doha for a deal to end the war in Gaza, Iran is expected to delay any attacks to allow the ongoing talks to conclude, according to The New York Times.
The mediators of Gaza ceasefire talks, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, expect a deal to be concluded between Israel and Hamas by the end of the next week. The deal would institute a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages in captivity.
Iran & Hezbollah have lowered alert level: Israeli assessment
As talks continue for a deal to end the war in Gaza, Israel has assessed that Iran and Lebanon-based Hezbollah have lowered their level of alertness in their rocket and missile units, according to The Times.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe assessment indicates that an attack on Israel is no longer imminent.
Previously, Iran had said that its reprisals for Haniyeh’s assassination would be such that they do not compromise the ongoing talks for a peace deal for Gaza.
Earlier on Friday, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held talks with Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and urged him to refrain from any escalation at the moment.
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs @MBA_AlThani_ , Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Discuss Regional Developments#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/Mj288KBqh9
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) August 16, 2024
In a separate statement, the mediators said they have presented a new revised proposal to bridge the gaps between Israel's and Hamas' positions . They said they expect a deal to be concluded by the end of the next week based on this revised proposal. The proposal is rooted in the one outlined by US President Joe Biden in May , which sought to end the war in Gaza in three-stages starting with a six-week truce and the release of a select class of hostages.
Joint Statement from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar | The White House 🇺🇸 🇪🇬 🇶🇦 https://t.co/d735H3CqOu
— Brett McGurk (@brett_mcgurk) August 16, 2024
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